Suspicious Death of Singer Zubeen Garg: Allegations of Poisoning and Conspiracy Under Investigation by Assam Police

The Assam Police are conducting an investigation into the death of cultural icon and renowned singer Zubeen Garg. In a significant development, his bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami has alleged that Garg's manager Siddharth Sharma and festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta may have poisoned the artist and conspired to disguise his death as an accident.

According to witness testimony documented under Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Goswami informed investigators that Sharma's behavior during the hours preceding Garg's death in Singapore raised suspicions. Sharma, who has been named in the FIR, now faces serious non-bailable charges including criminal conspiracy, murder, and culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Goswami detailed that Sharma, who shared accommodation with him at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Singapore, exhibited suspicious conduct. During the yacht excursion where the tragedy occurred, Goswami claimed that the accused forcibly seized control of the vessel from its sailor, causing dangerous instability in mid-sea that endangered all passengers. He also revealed that Sharma instructed Assam Association (Singapore) member and NRI Tanmoy Phukan not to arrange drinks, insisting on being the sole supplier.

In his statement, Goswami recounted that during the critical moments when Garg was struggling to breathe and nearly drowning, Sharma was heard shouting, "Jabo de, jabo de" ("let him go, let him go"). He emphasized that Garg was a trained swimmer who had coached both him and Sharma, making drowning an implausible cause of death.

Goswami alleged that both Sharma and Mahanta had poisoned the singer and deliberately selected Singapore as the venue to conceal their conspiracy. He further claimed that Sharma instructed him not to share any yacht videos with anyone.

While both Sharma and Mahanta have denied these allegations during interrogation, Goswami informed investigators that when Garg was frothing from the mouth and nose, Sharma dismissed it as 'acid reflux' and assured others there was no cause for concern. Instead of arranging immediate medical assistance, Goswami stated that Sharma's actions contributed to Garg's 'early demise.'

Investigators have indicated that material evidence, including documentary records, financial transactions, and witness statements, establishes prima facie culpability for Sharma.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax (I-T) Department are expected to join the Assam Police in investigating alleged organized financial crimes and acquisition of benami properties by Mahanta.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Assam Police has also uncovered financial irregularities allegedly committed by Mahanta over 20 years ago during his previous employment at a non-banking financial company (NBFC).

Sources familiar with the development have informed PTI that officials from the ED and I-T Department have already visited the CID headquarters to examine the case.